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“He was unhappy. Very unhappy. What was in that box, Dimitry?”
Burian laughs. “I thought as much, considering the reply I got this morning. But please don’t concern yourself with any of this. One last job.”
“Fifty thousand.” I feel sick, naming a price. But this is what I have to do.
“Done.”
I rub my temple. “The fact that you’re not bothering to negotiate doesn’t bode well for me.”
“You could’ve gotten more.” He sounds pleased with himself. “I’ll send you directions shortly.”
“Wait. What am I going to—” But he hangs up. “Motherfucker.” I’m about to throw the phone but Lanzo stops me.
“You did good,” he says, voice gentle as he pries the phone from my grip.
“Ihatethat asshole.”
“Join the club.” He turns back to his laptop. “We’ll get him. I promise.”
“Last time,” I say, blinking back my tears. Forcing myself not to cry. “Okay? Understand? That was the last time.”
He pauses to look at me. There’s something sad in his expression. “Last time,” he agrees.
I turn and storm off. I don’t want to cry in front of him.
Chapter22
Renata
Grandpop sounds happy to hear from me. “I don’t know how you did it, honey, but the nurse is coming full-time now. Can you believe that? She says they’re all paid up.”
I grin to myself. It’s the first bit of good news I’ve gotten so far today. Lanzo’s gone, doing some vague task he refused to tell me about, but left strict orders not to leave the apartment without him. Too dangerous out there. Bossy asshole.
“It’s a perk of my current job,” I say, which isn’t even a lie.
He laughs, sounding giddy. “What kind of job pays for a man’s home nursing up front forthree years? That’s one hell of a perk, sweetie.”
“They offered me a bonus but I negotiated.” I smile to myself at the joy in Grandpop’s voice. His relief is palpable and pleasant. Maybe I’ve been too hard on myself—maybe Grandpop’s been hoping for his own kind of break. A little space away from his granddaughter. Maybe he’s dealing with his own guilt.
Which makes me feel even worse.
“I’m really grateful, honey. You know how much I love you.”
“I love you too.” I grin to myself, glowing a bit. “You’re all good? Taken care of?”
“Better than good. Feeling great.”
“No dishes in the sink?”
“I’m fine,” he grunts. That’s more like him.
“I’ll be home soon, promise.”
“Call again tomorrow, all right? Just to check in. Don’t gotta chat.”
“I love you, Grandpop. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Love you too.”
